A lot goes down on the farm, and growers owe much to technological advances in equipment and chemicals they wouldn’t have dreamed of 50 years ago. But sometimes there’s simply no substitute for the good old-fashioned muscle that only a trusty tractor can provide. The tractors in Potato Grower’s exclusive buyer’s guide combine brains and brawn to give growers exactly what they need.
McCormick International
X7 Series, X4 Series
www.mccormickusa.com
New from McCormick for 2014 are the X7 Series high-horsepower tractors, offering four models that range from 143 to 212 engine horsepower.
This new lineup features powerful, efficient Betapower diesel engines that meet EPA Tier4i emissions requirements. These clean power plants boast simple and reliable SCR technology that maximizes engine performance while reducing fuel consumption.
The advanced Pro Drive Power 24-speed transmission is fully automated for convenient, push-button operation of all gears and ranges. An interactive dot matrix display allows the operator to customize the tractor’s operation to meet the specific needs of the job at hand.
The large, comfortable four-post cab sits up high to offer excellent visibility in all directions. The ergonomic layout of tractor controls keeps operation simple and intuitive, which reduces fatigue and increases productivity during long working days on the farm.
The new McCormick X4 Series utility tractors are built to work hard on the farm. Ideally suited for hay, dairy, livestock and general on-the-farm use, these tough machines have the tools to get the job done.
Six models range from 64 to 107 engine horsepower and feature powerful four-cylinder Deutz diesel engines. These clean-burning diesels are Tier 4i compliant with no-maintenance emissions—no adding fluid and no exhaust filter to regenerate.
Customers can choose two- or four-wheel-drive, cab or ROPS configurations. The rugged 12×12 transmission offers a simple synchro shuttle or a high performance power shuttle. All models come standard with 540/1000 PTO, high-flow hydraulics, and a Category 2 rear three-point hitch.
The large four-post cab sits up high for an excellent view of the working area. A roofline window improves visibility of raised loader buckets, and a host of creature comforts ensures convenient, comfortable operation.
Case IH
Magnum Rowtrac
www.caseih.com/magnum
Building on 18 years of leadership in independent-track technology, Case IH introduces its new Magnum Rowtrac tractor. Three models, the 310, 340 and 380, provide options for use in soil conditions requiring better flotation and reduced compaction.
When raising potatoes, producers will find the Magnum Rowtrac meets their unique cropping needs—a proven Case IH oscillating rear-track system is paired with front tire options to fit virtually any row width. This system keeps the power on the ground through the tightest turns, improves maneuverability, reduces berming and improves operator control of the tractor.
Timing is critical with high-value specialty crops, so the new Magnum Rowtrac tractors help producers better manage wet conditions, delivering superior flotation and traction in all field operations, whether tilling, planting, seeding or harvesting.
Mahindra USA
mFORCE Series
(877) 449-7771
www.mahindrausa.com
Mahindra USA extends its product line to the higher horsepower segment with the Mahindra mFORCE series designed to meet the needs of landowners requiring larger, more powerful equipment. The full-size mFORCE 100 S and 100 P provide heavy-duty performance at the industry’s best value, allowing operators to do more. The mFORCE features:
- transmission choice of 12×12 power shuttle (100 S) or 24×24+8 creeper power shuttle-power shift (100 P)
- heavy-duty loader lift capacity of 4,129 pounds
- three-point lift capacity of 6,860 pounds
- standard front/rear radial tires
- standard five-year limited powertrain warranty
Kubota
M7 Series
(888) 458-2682, ext. 900
www.kubota.com
Kubota Tractor Corporation introduces its M7 Series tractor line, three new mid-range tractors in the 130- to 170-horsepower range. This is the largest horsepower offering for Kubota in its tractor lineup to date.
With the M7, Kubota sets its sights on commercial livestock and row-crop production customers.
Kubota has significantly invested in technologies to bring precision farming to market in an operator-friendly way. With integrated controls of the engine, transmission, hydraulic functions and implements, Kubota M7 Series tractors are highly efficient, resulting in reduced fuel and materials costs. The easy-to-use control panel offers a touch screen that makes it possible to control all operating functions from a single screen, and the M7s’ performance monitors and auto guiding systems make work in the field even more productive. The wide cab on the M7 Series features ample operating space and ergonomically-placed controls, minimizing operator fatigue even after long periods of work.
Production on the M7 Series will begin in the second quarter of 2015.
New Holland
T8 SmartTrax, T4 Series, Boomer Series
(717) 355-1084
www.newholland.com
With its all-new SmartTrax system, New Holland matches the overall versatility of a wheeled tractor with the high traction and flotation of rubber tracks. Although based on the established T8 Series, SmartTrax tractors have detail design differences. These include purpose-developed high-torque axles that match large-diameter front wheels with the rear tracks. This enables full power to be delivered between the front wheels and rear tracks for optimum performance.
SmartTrax T8 Series tractors have been developed to deliver the proven versatility of a wheeled tractor with the enhanced traction and flotation of rubber tracks. The rubber tracks are matched to large-diameter front wheels to deliver excellent maneuverability and to overcome some of the issues that may arise with conventional twin-tracked vehicles. A key feature of SmartTrax is the ability to turn tightly and cleanly at the headland. This improves versatility as the tractor is also suitable for top work, such as spraying and top dressing.
New Holland’s hardworking 70- to 98-PTO horsepower T4 Series utility tractors now offer the convenience of the new 24×24 Dual Command transmission and 40×40 Dual Command creeper transmission options.
The Dual Command transmission provides an easy-to-use hi-lo transmission option for smoothly shifting gears without the need to depress the clutch pedal. As a result, operators can work with less fatigue. The smart Dual Command features, when combined with all the standard comfort features and ergonomics of the VisionView cab, can make a big difference in a long work day. The Dual Command transmissions come with an electrohydraulic shuttle lever designed to enhance efficiency. Additionally, the shuttle lever has different aggressiveness settings so the operator can tailor the tractor forward/reverse transition to the job at hand.
New Holland’s Boomer Series compact tractors not only meet Tier 4B emissions standards, they also offer operators a host of improvements, including a roomier operator’s platform, longer wheelbase, increased ground speeds and more.
The Tier 4B engine in the Boomer models isn’t the only thing that’s new. These tractors are built to make work easier, and now, they’re better than ever.
In line with New Holland’s Tier 4 plan to provide the most efficient solution for each range of tractors, the Boomer Series is meeting Tier 4B emissions standards through engines which utilize internal exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) technology, diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), and diesel particulate filter (DPF) to control emissions. The system is fully automatic: there is no need to add extra solutions or press buttons to activate.
The five models in the line range from 24 to 47 horsepower with quiet, fuel-efficient three-cylinder engines in the Boomer 24, 33 and 37 models and four-cylinder engines in the Boomer 41 and 47. All are four-wheel-drive models, and all, except the two-range hydrostatic-only Boomer 24, are available with a three-range hydrostatic (HST) transmission or smooth shifting 12×12 or 16×16 synchronized shuttle shift (SSS) transmission. The convenience of cruise control is a standard feature for HST models.
The Boomer 24, 41 and 47 models boast faster grounds speeds—up to 11.3 mph (Boomer 24) and 16.0 mph (Boomer 41 and 47), respectively—allowing operators to speed through any task.
Kioti
PX9020
1-877-GO-KIOTI
www.KIOTI.com
The PX9020 tractor, Kioti’s first available model in the PX Series, is outfitted with a deluxe temperature-controlled cab with moon roof and is available with a 16×16 synchronized shuttle transmission with creep speed gear. The PX9020 is equipped with hydrostatic power steering, rear differential lock, dual remote hydraulic valves, outside lift control, selectable ground speed PTO, telescopic lowering ends, a crank-adjustable RH lift link and wet disc brakes. Additionally, the tractor offers a rear PTO speed of 540 rpm and optional PTO speed of 1,000 rpm, as well as a 4,850-pound lift capacity. The PX’s heavyweight construction outweighs the competition, allowing for better traction and increased stability.
AGCO
(770) 813-9200
AGCOcorp.com
Challenger MT900E , Massey Ferguson 7700 , Fendt 700
AGCO Challenger MT900E Series tractors are giving growers a boost in the field. Three articulated models match robust new AGCO Power 16.8-liter diesel engines from 490 to 590 rated engine horsepower and 529 to 637 maximum engine horsepower with enhanced hydraulic capacity, delivering the perfect union of efficient power and rugged capability. Dual twin turbochargers with interstage-charge air coolers and electronic wastegate control contribute to outstanding torque at low RPMs.
All MT900E Series tractors feature AP168-4 diesel engines built just for agriculture so operators can power through challenging field conditions and cover more ground, more efficiently, each day.
Features that let operators take on bigger implements and achieve more include ample horsepower, a sustained torque curve, high-flow hydraulics, smooth PTO engagement and a robust three-point hitch. Additionally, fully integrated auto guidance technology and deluxe cab upgrades reduce operator fatigue and maximize productivity.
The AGCO Massey Ferguson 7700 Series tractors feature Tier 4 Final, six-cylinder AGCO Power 6.6- and 7.4-liter diesel engines, a redesigned front-axle suspension, increased hydraulic performance and easy-to-use guidance technology.
The 7700 Series includes nine models ranging from 140 to 255 maximum engine horsepower and a choice of three available transmissions. Turbochargers are featured with new electronic wastegates to anticipate power needs, providing unbeatable engine response and high torque at all RPMs. The Engine Power Management system delivers a power boost of up to 25 horsepower in demanding PTO, hydraulic and transport applications.
Additional enhancements include a new engine control unit for precise operations, a new throttle valve for faster warm-ups, and a higher-pressure fuel injection system that delivers cleaner combustion, eliminating the need for a diesel particulate filter. The new Cyclair cooling package enhances cooling efficiency without increasing system size.
Fendt by AGCO has introduces the 700 Series tractors, featuring a wide range of applications designed to fit the needs of farmers who demand the best in innovation, engineering and technology to increase their farm’s efficiency and productivity. The new 700 Series includes six models, all with a Tier 4 Final six-cylinder diesel engine with a maximum engine horsepower from 145 to 240 for a broad range of farm work.
A front PTO and three-point hitch, power flow through a continuously variable transmission, class-leading hydraulic capacity and the world-class Fendt Variotronic electronic interface are all included in this series. Other improvements for operator comfort and control in the 700 Series include cutting-edge PTO engineering, which allows implements to be driven at reduced engine speeds, new windshield wipers on the VisioPlus cab that have a 300-degree wiping field, and new LED headlamps with leveling ability.
Evergeen to Have Up to 150 Used Tractors
This vintage John Deere Model D tractor from the 1930s was restored in-house by Evergreen Implement in Othello, Wash., and resides on Evergreen’s sales floor.
Unfortunately, this tractor is not for sale, but Evergreen will have as many as 150 late-model, low-hour tractors for sale this spring. Evergreen prides itself as being the place to go for potato equipment, is a leading John Deere dealer, sells parts and does service for all brands.
To check what’s in stock, call Evergreen Potato Central at (800) 572-0391 or go to potatoes.eiijd.com.